Four new product-specific shows to open at INDEX 2012

• Over 27,870 industry professionals attended INDEX 2011
• 11.4% INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE COMPARED TO 2010
• 918 companies from 45 countries displayed their innovative products

INDEX, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition, today revealed figures from its show and confirmed its status as the region’s leading sector event. Over 27,870 people – 11.4 percent more than the previous edition – visited the 2011 show which took place from 22nd to 25th October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Read more

Contemporary Design wins traditional Majlis Competition

• Sinmar Al-Said wins Contemporary Majlis Design Competition at INDEX 2011
• Competition designs showcase the future of the traditional Arabic space

The winner of the third annual Contemporary Majlis Competition was announced today at INDEX, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition in Dubai. Sinmar Al-Said of Internal Line Interior Design took first place in the competition beating five other finalists, all tasked with designing a traditional Majlis with a modern cutting edge and innovative design.

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Region’s largest Design Show celebrates 21st Anniversary

• INDEX to host the public on first day as part of the fesitival of interior design
• Design lovers to preview showcase of over 900 exhibitors
• Senior leadership team from DMGT visit Middle East, INDEX

INDEX will celebrate its 21st Anniversary as the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition when it opens at the Dubai World Trade Centre this week. Running from October 22-25, 2011, the first day of INDEX will be a special Saturday as part of the Festival of Interior Design for the public who can witness the latest trends and innovations from over 900 exhibitors from almost 50 countries, along with a host of exciting features the show has to offer.

“For 21 consecutive years, INDEX has continued to improve and serve as a global platform to connect interiors brands, innovative manufacturers and design industry professionals. INDEX has been a part of the growth in the UAE and is the region’s largest and longest standing event for the design industry,” said Paula Al Chami, Event Director for INDEX. “The first day of INDEX has been dedicated to the Festival of Interior Design where the public and trade professionals can share in the launch of our exciting features and product showcases. It’s a special Saturday event, as we wanted to invite the public to visit the show and witness the exciting and innovative world of design.” Read more

Marble design expert optimistic ahead of INDEX

  INDEX, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition, is the most popular platform for  interior industry members to showcase their products and services. The event serves as an opportunity for participants to meet and discuss the future of design in the region.

As during the past ten years, the only marble design company participating in the exhibition is the Sharja-based Rasheed Al Hallak Marble Cutting & Scratch SHJ (RHM). The company specializes in marble design and manufacturing, supplying and fixing of marble tiles, decorative marbles and stone blocks.

The owner, Mr. Rasheed Hallak, spoke to Dubai Chronicle right ahead of the exhibition. He said: “Our highly qualified specialized staff  can transform cold blocks of stone into warm, shapely and inspiring work of arts, that are objects of envy to the eye. We are known as one of the leading suppliers of marble tiles, fountains, columns, fireplaces, balustrades, handrails, table bases and table lamps. We are fully equipped for virtually all kinds marble design, from hand engraving to artistic works with stones. Some of the most prestigious jobs in the UAE were conducted by us, and we take real pride in the outcome!” Read more

Future of Region’s Design Industry to be discussed at INDEX

Regional and international experts will come together to discuss the latest issues and trends in the architecture and design industry at INDEX, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition. From October 22-25, 2011, INDEX 2011 will offer a platform for industry leaders, exhibitors and visitors to speak about the future of the industry including topics such as sustainability, innovation, youth and finance.

“While INDEX is an established platform for exhibitors to showcase their products and services, it also serves as an opportunity to come together and discuss the future of the design industry,” said Paul Al Chami, Event Director for INDEX. “We have a series of conferences, panel discussions and seminars that raise for discussion the key issues influencing the growth of the industry.” Read more

UAE students to introduce sustainable designs at INDEX

• “Reuse”theme to encourage sustainability in design
• Graphic Design Challenge introduced to create new brand image
• Finalists to construct prototypes at INDEX 2011

  INDEX, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition, in association with Interior Services Group (ISG) and local design organisation tasmena, are challenging design students across the UAE with the INDEX Student Challenge 2011. Open to design students at all universities within the UAE, this year’s challenge theme is reuse – as in “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”. Students will be tasked with creating design applications using local waste materials in the region, for example plastic, paper or wood. Traditionally targeted at interior design students, this year’s INDEX Student Challenge broadens its platform by also introducing a new Graphic Design Challenge. Read more

Dubai World Trade Centre kicks-off first day of exhibition season with five shows

• The most convenient Business Hotels in Dubai

Following the Dubai World Trade Centre’s strong first half results, welcoming over 630,000 visitors – a 13% increase over 2009 – anticipation is high for the start of the new exhibition season. DWTC’s global calendar of events starts off today with five specialist shows covering diverse sectors including: paper, pool and spa, and corporate gifts.

Held between 26th and 28th of September at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), these events will play an important role in driving distinct business visitor traffic to the region, reinforcing the strength of Dubai as the regional business hub. Read more

Building Materials Index – Second Edition

The Department of Planning and Economy (DPE) – Abu Dhabi today released the second edition of the Building Materials Index in a bid to check any price manipulation by some vendors.
DPE said the current boom in the construction sector worldwide has brought about a corresponding increase in the prices of building materials in the emirate. Read more

Confidence among business people continues to fall

The HSBC Gulf Business Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2008 reveals that the prevailing mood of Gulf business people remains buoyant, but that levels of confidence among business people continues to fall, maintaining the downward trend of the past 18 months. The Business Confidence Index has dipped to a mark of 94 from the benchmark 100 set in February 2007. Inflation, the price of oil, and staffing issues are cited as the three main drivers of the dip in confidence levels.

In spite of the concerns, however, the region’s business people remain firmly in growth mode:

• 62% expect to see an increase in revenue this year
• 52% expect to increase their workforce this year
• 50% expect to increase profits this year

Speculation on a revaluation of the local currency has also diminished, with only 28% now expecting a change in currency policy this year, down from 59% at the end of 2007. Read more